Boatman, Boatman

Cat. #1183 (MFH #682) - As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971

VERSE 1
Boatman, boatman, tell me ture
Does my dear William sail with you
Tell me quick and give me joy
So, I can find my darling boy

VERSE 2
The honorable Miss, he is not here
Drown in th sea, I fear-r
That long rocky island, that we passed by
O, there's where we lost your darling boy

VERSE 3
Dark was th color of my true loves hair
Rosy cheeks an' lily fair
Now being out a hand, among you all
I'll have a boatman 'er none at all

VERSE 4
Go dig my grave, both long an' deep
Place a marble stone at my head an' feet
An' on my breast a turtle dove
T' show to th world that I died for love

(O.B. tells about some old time remedies.)

Variants